NIMC Alerts Nigerians on Dangers of Selling Their NINs

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them not to trade their National Identification Numbers (NINs) for cash or disclose them to unauthorized individuals or organizations.

This warning comes after reports surfaced that some individuals in Anambra State were being enticed to exchange their NINs for money—an action the Commission described as illegal and punishable under several national laws, including the NIMC Act, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.

In an official statement released by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC confirmed that it had received intelligence on these illegal activities. Working in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, suspects involved in the illicit collection of NINs have been arrested and are currently being investigated.

According to the statement, no private entity or government agency is permitted to collect NINs from citizens in exchange for money or benefits. The Commission stressed that such practices are fraudulent and will be met with legal consequences.

“NIN holders must never offer their personal data in return for financial incentives. Doing so violates the law and could lead to serious penalties,” the Commission stated.

NIMC also highlighted the risks of identity theft and cybercrime associated with sharing personal information on unverified platforms or with untrusted parties. Citizens were reminded that the NIN is strictly